El Dorado
County
General Contact Number: (530) 621-5567

LandUse

Sign Ordinance Update

 
Bodhaine

On July 28, 2015, the Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of a comprehensive update to the existing Sign Ordinance (Chapter 130.16 of Title 130 in the El Dorado County Code of Ordinances). The new Ordinance (No. 5025) became effective 30 days after adoption on August 27, 2015.

The adopted Sign Ordinance has not yet been codified (incorporated into Title 130 of the El Dorado County Code of Ordinances on the Municode website. A pdf of the adopted Sign Ordinance is available on Municode. (Click on Municode for the link and scroll down "Adopted Ordinances Not Yet Codified" to Ordinance No. 5025). A pdf of the adopted Sign Ordinance is also posted below.

Sign Ordinance adopted 7-28-2015 Posted 8-31-2015

Below are a couple of pamphlets that provide general information about the new Sign Ordinance and specifically on Temporary Signs (Section 130.16.050).

If you have questions about the new Sign Ordinance, please contact Planning Services at (530) 621-5355.

If you would like to report a sign that may not be in compliance with the new Sign Ordinance, please call Code Enforcement at (530) 621-5999.

​Background Information

In August 2012, the Board directed staff to contract for the preparation of a comprehensive sign ordinance amendment and the related Environmental Impact Report. A contract was executed with Pacific Municipal Consultants, Inc. (PMC) in December 2012. PMC gave an initial presentation in January 2013 at a joint meeting of the Board and the Planning Commission. In June 2013, staff presented the Sign Ordinance Public Draft, which the Board authorized to be released for a 60-day review period. The public draft was released on July 8, 2013 and the public comment period closed on September 10, 2013.
  • General Public Meeting - August 12, 2013 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room
  • Agricultural Commission Meeting - August 14, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chamber
  • General Public Meeting - August 19, 2013 at 5 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room
  • Planning Commission Meeting - August 22, 2013 at 9 a.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room
  • Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDAC) - August 22, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the OES Conference Room

In August 2013, staff presentations were made at six public meetings:

Presentation: El Dorado County Community Meetings Draft Sign Code Update

On December 17, 2013, staff presented to the Board a general summary of the public comments received and asked the Board for direction on several policy issues identified in the public comments. In addition, the County’s outside counsel who specializes in sign law provided the Board with an informational presentation on sign law.

On July 22, 2014, staff provided the Board with a follow-up to the discussion at the December 17, 2013 Board meeting. The Board adopted the Resolution of Intention (ROI) to Amend the Sign Ordinance (Resolution No.106-2014) authorizing staff to proceed with the environmental review as required by the California Environmental Quality Act.

On October 1, 2014, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released for a 30-day public review and comment period. The purpose of the NOP was to solicit comments from public agencies and interested persons regarding the scope and content of the environmental information and analyses, including the significant environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives, and mitigation measures that should be included in the draft EIR.

On October 23, 2014, a public scoping meeting was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court, Building C, Placerville. the PMC consultant provided an overview of the CEQA environmental process. County staff answered questions from the nine individuals who attended the meeting.

On October 31, 2014, the deadline to submit comments on the NOP closed at 5:00 p.m. The majority of the comments received during the NOP review period were comments on the Sign Ordinance and not on the scope or content of the environmental document. Comments received during the NOP period are posted in the DEIR December 2014 "accordion."

On December 31, 2014, a Notice of Availability (NOA) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Sign Ordinance Update was released for a 45-day public review and comment period. The purpose of this comment period was to solicit comments from public agencies and interested parties/persons regarding the content of the DEIR and potential environmental impacts that may result from the project implementation. The Draft EIR was prepared as a Program EIR in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. A programmatic EIR provides a broad analysis of the proposed countywide sign standards which apply to many different sign types and locations. The draft EIR is analyzing the environmental impacts under the category of “Aesthetics.”

On January 29, 2015, a public meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room to accept comments on the DEIR.

On February 17, 2015, the deadline to submit written comments on the DEIR closed at 5:00 p.m. The comments submitted and responses to comments are included in the Final EIR.

On March 26, 2015, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Sign Ordinance Update. Staff presented the Final EIR, Draft Resolutions to Certify the EIR and Amend General Plan Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2, and the Final Draft Sign Ordinance. The hearing was continued to the Planning Commission meeting on May 28, 2015.

On May 28, 2015, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing from March 26, 2015. The Commission prepared their recommendation for the Board's consideration on July 28, 2015.

On July 28, 2015, the Board of Supervisors approved the certification of the EIR, amendments to General Plan Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2, and adoption of a comprehensive update to the existing Sign Ordinance. The new Ordinance (No. 5025) takes effect 30 days after the adoption which is August 27, 2015. In response to public interest in having ample time to review the proposed draft Sign Ordinance and related documents for the Board hearing, the staff memo and attachments were posted on 6/24/15 for public viewing in advance of the official publication of the meeting agenda for the July 28th Board meeting.

On September 22, 2015, staff provided a presentation on the new Sign Ordinance to the Community Economic Development Association of Pollock Pines (CEDAPP). The meeting was held at 6:00 p.m. at the Pollock Pines School District facility at 2701 Amber Trail. The meeting was attended by about 20 community members.

Presentation to CEDAPP 9-22-2015

​Public Comments on Draft Sign Ordinance

Public Review Draft Revised 3-5-15 (Attachment 5G-Exhibit E Planning Commission Meeting 3-26-15):

Public Review Draft dated 10-01-2014:

Public Review Draft dated 7-22-14:

Public Review Draft dated 7-8-13:

Note: Written comments on the Project that were submitted to the Board of Supervisors, or other Commissions and Committees may be found on Legistar, the County's online Agenda system, within Project related file(s): https://eldorado.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

​Agenda Items

Please note: These agenda items may not reflect the most current information and are subject to change. For the latest information on agenda items related to this project, refer to the County online agenda calendar: https://eldorado.legistar.com


DateItemFile IDVer.Description
2/9/2016 1113-00868

Community Development Agency, Long Range Planning Division, recommending the Board receive and file information regarding implementation of the updated Sign Ordinance, which was approved by the Board on July 28, 2015 and became effective on August 27, 2015.

7/28/2015 2813-00867

Hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the Sign Ordinance Update which consists of the adoption and implementation of an update to the County's existing Sign Ordinance (Chapter 130.16 of Title 130 of the El Dorado County Code of Ordinances, and other sections of Title 130 addressing sign regulations and standards) as well as amendments to General Plan Objective 2.7.1
and Policy 2.7.1.2 (pertaining to off-site signs) consistent with the goals of the project; and recommending the Board take the following actions: 1) Adopt Resolution 129-2015 Certifying the EIR to amend County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 130.16 (Attachment 7B); Make Findings of Fact and Issue Statement of Overriding Considerations (Attachment 7C); 2) Adopt Resolution 130-2015 to Amend County General Plan Land Use Element Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2 in accordance with state and federal law (Attachment 7D); 3) Approve final draft Sign Ordinance Update with the recommended mitigation measure and proposed revisions (Attachment 7G; 4) Adopt Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program with the recommended mitigation measure revisions (Attachment 7E; and 5) Direct staff to return within approximately one year of adoption or earlier, if necessary, to review implementation of the Ordinance.

5/28/2015 213-00866

HEARING (Continued from 3/26/15): Planning Commission to consider the Sign Ordinance Update which consists of the adoption and implementation of an update to the County’s existing Sign Ordinance (Chapter 130.16 of Title 130 of the El Dorado County Code of Ordinances, and other sections of Title 130 addressing sign regulations and standards) as well as amendments to General Plan Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2 (pertaining to off-site signs) consistent with the goals of the project; and staff recommending the Planning Commission recommend the Board of Supervisors take the following actions: 1) Adopt a Resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report for an Amendment of the El Dorado County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 130.16; Make Findings of Fact and Issue a Statement of Overriding Considerations; 2) Adopt a Resolution to amend the El Dorado County General Plan Land Use Element Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2; 3) Approve the final draft comprehensive update to Chapter 130.16 of the County Zoning Ordinance, which includes the recommended Mitigation Measure; and 4) Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.

3/26/2015 613-00865

HEARING: Planning Commission to consider the Sign Ordinance Update which consists of the adoption and implementation of an update to the County’s existing Sign Ordinance (Chapter 130.16 of Title 130 of the El Dorado County Code of Ordinances, and other sections of Title 130 addressing sign regulations and standards) as well as amendments to General Plan Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2 (pertaining to off-site signs) consistent with the goals of the project; and staff recommending the Planning Commission recommend the Board of Supervisors take the following actions: 1) Adopt a Resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report for an Amendment of the El Dorado County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 130.16; Make Findings of Fact and Issue a Statement of Overriding Considerations; 2) Adopt a Resolution to amend the El Dorado County General Plan Land Use Element Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2; 3) Approve the final draft comprehensive update to Chapter 130.16 of the County Zoning Ordinance, which includes the recommended Mitigation Measure; and 4) Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.

07/22/2014 3013-00864

Community Development Agency, Long Range Planning, recommending the Board consider the following: 1) Review revisions made to the draft Sign Ordinance including proposed reducing dwell time of electronic (digital) signs and signs in motion from 12 seconds to 8 seconds; 2) Consider revisions to General Plan Objective 2.7.1 and Policy 2.7.1.2 as noted in the draft Resolution of Intention (ROI) to align General Plan language with state law provisions; and 3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution of Intention 106-2014 to Amend the Sign Ordinance and authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of all necessary documentation and environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

12/17/2013 4913-00863

Community Development Agency, Long Range Planning Division, providing an update on the status of the comprehensive Sign Ordinance update and recommending the Board provide direction to staff regarding the policy issues identified in the presentation.

6/25/2013 6813-00862

Chief Administrative Office and Community Development Agency, Development Services Division, providing an update on the current status of the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Amendment and recommending the Board: 1) Provide direction on specific Sign Ordinance topics as identified in the attachments to this item; 2) Authorize staff to release the draft Sign Ordinance for a 30-day review period and continue working with stakeholders and the Planning Commission to develop a final draft Sign Ordinance; and 3) Return to the Board with a final draft of the Sign Ordinance and draft Resolution of Intention to amend the Sign Ordinance in September 2013.

1/28/2013 213-00861

Chief Administrative Office and Development Services recommend the Board receive information regarding the County Sign Ordinance.

9/18/2012 1511-10204

HEARING: Consider extending the previously adopted Urgency Ordinance that imposed a 45-day moratorium on the processing and approval of any freestanding sign permits over certain size; the proposed extension reduces the scope of the previously adopted moratorium. This proposed moratorium would prohibit the approval of only those freestanding signs within one half mile of the edge of the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 49, 89, 153, and 193. The proposed extension to the moratorium would prohibit approval of signs: (A) In all unincorporated areas of the County; (B) Within one-half mile of the edge of the right-of-way of U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 49, 89, 153, and 193; (C) Exceed 80 square feet in size or 15 feet in height; and (D) In all zoned districts. Planning Services recommends the Board take the following actions: 1) Adopt the Interim Ordinance, effective immediately and until August 7, 2014 or until repealed by the Board (4/5 vote required); and 2) Direct staff to proceed with the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update using one of the following options: (a) Process a Request for Proposals for the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update; or (b) Include the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance Update to the Land Use Policy Programmatic Update process under a revised contract with ICF Jones & Stokes.

8/7/2012 1811-10203

HEARING: Consider adoption of Urgency Ordinance 4978 imposing a 45-day moratorium on the acceptance of new applications and the processing for any freestanding signs that exceed 80 square feet in size and/or exceed 15 feet in height. The moratorium shall apply to all zone districts in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County. Planning Services recommends the Board take the following actions: 1) Find that adoption of the ordinance is not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c) (3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations); 2) Adopt Temporary Moratorium on freestanding signs (4/5 vote required to adopt Temporary Moratorium); and 3) Director staff to process a Request for Proposals to update the County Sign Ordinance.

05/08/2012 1211-10202

Supervisor Knight recommending the Board consider the following: 1) Should the Board direct staff to start the process of revising and updating the County's sign regulations; and, if so, 2) Should the Board direct staff to prepare a temporary moratorium to preclude new applications for off-site advertising signs (billboards) while the County prepares and analyzes the new sign regulations.

09/13/2011 4111-10201

Supervisor Knight recommending the Board discuss the feasibility of adopting a temporary moratorium on the approval of applications for off-premise signs on U.S. Highway 50 from the Sacramento/El Dorado County line to the Placerville City limits.

​Supporting Documents

 

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